'The war is over', says Donald Trump as he flies to Israel, Egypt

United States President Donald Trump has proclaimed that 'the war is over' as he embarks on a diplomatic mission to Israel, aimed at facilitating the release of hostages from Gaza amid a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Ceasefire Announcement

Speaking aboard Air Force One during his flight from Washington, D.C., Trump asserted that the ceasefire would be maintained and that a 'Board of Peace' would soon be established to oversee reconstruction efforts in Gaza, which he described as resembling a 'demolition site.'

The ceasefire is the first phase of a comprehensive 20-point peace initiative developed under Trump's guidance. According to reports, the next stages of negotiations are still pending. Among the immediate commitments of the ceasefire, Hamas is expected to release a number of hostages by noon local time today, while Israel agreed to release approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners and up to 1,700 detainees.

Humanitarian Efforts and Aid

Following the implementation of the ceasefire late last week, aid trucks have begun entering Gaza. However, humanitarian organisations have indicated that the volume of aid is insufficient to address the overwhelming needs of the population. UNICEF's spokesperson James Elder noted that although some trucks reached the area, a minimum of 600 are required daily to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has declared famine conditions in parts of Gaza, worsened by conflicts that resulted in extensive casualties on both sides. According to figures provided by the Hamas-run health ministry, over 67,000 Palestinians, including around 18,000 children, have died since the conflict escalated following Hamas's attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023.

Trump’s Vision for Peace

During his remarks, Trump praised the efforts of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar, one of the mediators in the negotiations. When asked about the likelihood of the ceasefire holding, he expressed optimism: 'Everybody is happy, and I think it’s going to stay that way.'

Trump also addressed the future of Gaza, stating, 'I’d like to put my feet on it, at least,’ indicating a desire to visit the territory eventually. He referred to his efforts in the region as instrumental in achieving peace and emphasised that the area would begin to 'normalise' soon.

Upcoming Summit in Egypt

Following his visit to Israel, Trump is scheduled to lead a summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, which aims to further solidify the ceasefire and outline the governance of Gaza in a post-conflict environment. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will co-chair the international gathering, attended by leaders from over 20 countries, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Iran has opted not to attend the summit, citing hostilities with the United States, yet has expressed support for any effort that aims to end what it describes as 'genocide' in Gaza. In comments made via social media, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that his country would not engage with those it perceives as adversaries.

Internal Conflicts in Gaza

As the situation continues to evolve, internal strife persists in Gaza. Reports indicate that at least 27 individuals lost their lives in clashes involving Hamas security forces and members of the Dughmush family in Gaza City. Local sources have described this as one of the most intense confrontations within the region since the cessation of major Israeli military operations.

In conclusion, while President Trump describes this moment as historic and signs of optimism gather in the aftermath of the ceasefire, significant challenges remain ahead, particularly regarding the governance structure of Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. As negotiations unfold, the global community watches closely for developments in this rapidly evolving situation.